I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing psychotherapy and psychoeducation services in a private practice setting in Glendale, CA.
MY APPROACH TO PSYCHOTHERAPY
I believe that productive therapy occurs in an atmosphere free of judgment so that the client can explore thoughts and feelings that are difficult to face, and promotes a healthy sense of curiosity about oneself. In collaboration with my clients, I develop a course of therapy that provides support and practical feedback, builds on strengths, and relates directly to each person's reasons for seeking therapy. The primary model of psychotherapy that I work from is psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means that I help people understand how experiences from the past may be connected to what's happening in the present in order to work toward positive, healthy, and realistic changes. I also draw on cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on the connection between thinking, feeling and behavior; and family systems which explores how family members relate to each other and how the family functions as a whole.
MY BACKGROUND
Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I worked as an educator and advocate in the field of aging for nonprofit and government agencies providing services to older adults and their families. During my experience providing community education programs to professional and family caregivers, and my work with support groups, I became interested in learning how to better support people as they face and come to terms with their problems, and specifically how to support them in protecting and nurturing their emotional and social well-being. I returned to graduate school and transitioned into a new career in the field of mental health. As a psychotherapist, I have worked with individuals, couples and families in community mental health and geropsychology outpatient programs. I now work with adults of all ages who are facing a variety of challenges.
Education
Masters of Arts, Psychology, Pepperdine University, 2001
Masters of Science, Gerontology (the study of aging), Baylor University 1995
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Northwest Missouri State University, 1992
Professional Affiliations
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists: a professional association committed to providing the most current information and education in the field of mental health.
San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association
American Society on Aging